Indianapolis Colts enter 2026 season eyeing end to long playoff drought

The Indianapolis Colts open the 2026 season attempting to break a five-year postseason absence and a seven-year drought without a playoff win. Head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard enter their fourth and tenth seasons respectively, with the roster retaining most of the core offensive personnel from the previous year. Quarterback Daniel Jones, returning from a torn Achilles tendon sustained last season, reports that he is nearing full strength for the start of the campaign. The team has also revamped its defensive secondary, featuring acquisitions Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward to support defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. While the team aims to build on the offensive efficiency shown early in the 2025 season, officials acknowledge that overcoming previous late-season struggles remains a primary hurdle to securing a playoff berth.

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